Paso Robles man injures daughter in crash after fleeing CHP

January 27, 2014

A Paso Robles man and his 5-year-old daughter went to the hospital Saturday evening after twice fleeing California Highway Patrol officers and crashing a car into a dirt embankment in Paso Robles. [KSBY]

Claude Cowans was driving a Ford on Highway 46 around 7:15 p.m. Saturday when he pulled over to the shoulder east of Golden Hills Road. Cowans, whose passenger was his 5-year-old daughter, then backed his vehicle into a BMW that a CHP officer had pulled over.

The officer asked Cowans’ information and instructed him to wait. While the officer was recording Cowans’ information, the driver fled until another CHP officer stopped him on Golden Hills Road north of Creston Road.

Cowans again fled, driving on Creston Road into Paso Robles, and ultimately crashing into a dirt embankment on the west side of Chestnut Street.

Cowans suffered major injuries and his daughter suffered minor chest injuries. They were both taken to a local hospital.

CHP officers did not suspect Cowan of driving under the influence, but noted that he was angry.